Did Victor Wembanyama take a shot at LeBron James? Spurs star drops candid reaction after NBA veteran’s eyebrow-raising Polymarket deal

Victor Wembanyama has recently gave his honest reaction to the sports betting debate. At Spurs training camp on Thursday, a reporter asked whether the San Antonio center would ever promote a gambling company. "Absolutely not," he replied instantly. He further explained why he is dead set on staying out of it.The reigning Defensive Player of the Year spoke just weeks after LeBron James signed a Polymarket partnership expected to pay him $15 million a year. Wembanyama never mentioned the 76ers star by name but he certainly appears to take aim at the NBA veteran.Did Victor Wembanyama take a shot at LeBron James?Victor Wembanyama was answering a general question about sports betting sponsorships, and he spoke about the practice rather than one player. Asked on Thursday, October 1, he called it "very sad to see some players promote it." Then he added a line with a little edge, everybody does what they want, but without him.For those who have been aware of LeBron James's Polymarket deal, it certainly looks like an apparent slam at James, and the 76ers star is the obvious reference point. The 41-year-old announced a multi-year Polymarket partnership a few weeks ago, and he is expected to earn $15 million a year from it. James also signed a two-year, $8 million contract with Philadelphia this summer. One year of Polymarket money is worth more than that entire deal.Wembanyama explained the reasoning without pointing at anyone. "Obviously, we earn millions and millions," he said, before moving the conversation to influence. A player's biggest strength, according to the Spurs big man, is the ability to inspire, and that can go in a good direction or a bad one. "I want to inspire in a good way."Wembanyama has turned down endorsement offers before when the values behind them did not match. He does sign deals, though. A new Nike agreement includes a signature sneaker line.How other NBA stars have taken betting moneyWembanyama is stepping away from a crowded field. Giannis Antetokounmpo took an equity stake in Kalshi in February, and the Miami Heat star handles promotional work for the prediction market too. Kevin Durant has turned up regularly in FanDuel commercials, and his entertainment network, Boardroom, is partnered with the company. James had a similar arrangement with DraftKings before the Polymarket deal.Betting sponsorships have gone mainstream as the major leagues embrace gambling, and several NBA names now work with betting companies or prediction markets. More current and retired athletes could follow as the industry keeps growing. Wembanyama has said he will never be one of them.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.